The cells that are formed by meiosis have half as many chromosomes as the cell that formed them.

2. Fertilization occurs and the joining (fusion) of a male gamete and a female gamete. The new cell that is formed divides over and over again by meiosis. This creates the many cells that eventually form a new individual. Involves a half set of chromosomes (hoploid) + a half set of chromosomes (hoploid) = a diploid cell = Zygote